Words June Murray Dagnall
Have something for New & Noteworthy? Email noteworthy@seasidemagazine.ca.
Taking the Stress Out of School Breaks
Two Saanich Peninsula dads are making school break planning easier for local families. After struggling to organize camps for their young sons, Craig Frew and Michael Doyle created CampMatch. This free, centralized platform helps parents search and compare youth camps and programs.
Launched after a holiday-season brainstorming session, the site already features over 6,000 listings in the Victoria and Vancouver areas, and has attracted thousands of users. New programs are being added regularly and the founders are currently focused on growing CampMatch before exploring monetization options. www.campmatch.ca
Brentwood Bay Resort News
Celebration is in the air on the Saanich Peninsula as the Arbutus Room at Brentwood Bay Resort earned top honours at the Vancouver International Wine Festival 2026 Wine Program Excellence Awards. Taking home Bronze for Best BC Wine List and Silver for Best Value Wine Program, the dining room continues to showcase the depth and craftsmanship of British Columbia’s wine regions with sophistication.
Relaxation is also reaching new heights at the Resort, where their new Nordic-inspired thermal wellness experience is redefining the art of unwinding. Created in collaboration with Island Sauna, it features a rejuvenating sauna and cold plunge circuit designed to restore balance, boost circulation and enhance overall well-being. Guests can enjoy bookable sessions or immersive treatments like contrast therapy massage, the perfect answer for those looking to unplug and recharge.
Adding to the buzz, formerly known as The Pub, this resort venue has officially taken on the name The Lodge Kitchen & Bar, which is a nod to what locals have actually called it all along. With a renewed focus on community, The Lodge continues to be a favourite spot for relaxed, elevated dining and connection.
The Making of an Outdoor Kitchen
Go behind the scenes with Canada Outdoor Kitchens May 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. to discover what it takes to bring stunning outdoor living spaces to life on the Saanich Peninsula. Hear from the team about their process, challenges and passion from concept to completion, while enjoying fresh Napoli-style pizza straight from their outdoor oven.
This exclusive Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce (SPCC) member event is a great opportunity to connect, learn and be inspired. Contact the office to attend as a guest. Located at 9800 McDonald Park Road, Unit 200.
BBQ, Community & Canadian Spirit
Join your community for a fun-filled afternoon at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 37 Community BBQ. Taking place on May 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy classic BBQ fare, connect with neighbours and support local veterans, seniors and families in the Sidney area. This free, family-friendly event takes place in the parking lot of North Saanich Canadian Tire located at 10300 McDonald Park Road. Come hungry and help make a difference, as all proceeds stay local in support of the Legion’s program.
PNW Team Competes on World Stage
A Pacific Northwest women’s team will be competing on one of sailing’s most prestigious international sailing stages. Cascadia Sailing is set to compete in the inaugural New York Yacht Club International Women’s Championship, scheduled for September 2026 in Newport, Rhode Island.
A key factor in Cascadia Sailing’s success is the ability to fund a comprehensive campaign. The team welcomes sponsorships and donations to support its Canadian athletes and the campaign. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to support the campaign through Wind Athletes Canada and help bring this ambitious and inspiring project to life. www.cascadiasailing.org/donate
Or come and join the “Sea to Tee” Golf Tournament on Sunday, May 31st at 2 p.m. at Ardmore Golf Course. This nine-hole shotgun scramble will have a silent auction and prizes. $125 includes a round of golf, burger and sides. Register at www.cascadiasailing.org/golftournament.
Calling All Creatives
The Sooke Fine Arts Show is now accepting submissions from both returning and new artists for their 40th anniversary show! This annual, community-driven exhibition celebrates the art and culture of Vancouver Island and B.C.’s coastal islands. Artists whose work is selected will have the opportunity to sell their unique creations in the show’s gallery gift shop and are encouraged to share their skills and techniques through talks, demonstrations or guided tours during the event. June 1 is the deadline for artists from B.C.’s coastal islands, including Haida Gwaii, who work in various mediums such as painting, sculpture, fibre arts and handcrafted jewelry.
The show will take place at Sooke’s SEAPARC Leisure Complex from July 25 to August 3 with over 270 artists presenting their works. Mark your calendars!
www.sookefinearts.com
Meet Your Street
The District of Central Saanich is bringing back its popular Meet Your Street program, offering funding to help neighbours come together, strengthen connections and improve neighbourhood preparedness.
The annual grant program provides approximately $250 per event to support neighbourhood‑focused activities that bring residents together while encouraging emergency preparedness and community resilience. Eligible events may include neighbourhood gatherings, presentations, live music or other community‑building activities that help residents connect and get to know one another.
District staff are available to support participating neighbourhoods by helping develop emergency contact lists, sharing information on building emergency kits or hosting FireSmart and emergency preparedness presentations.
Residents can find full program details, eligibility requirements and application information at www.CSaanich.ca/meetyourstreet.
Call to Artists
Royal & McPherson Theatres Society (RMTS) is accepting submissions for the 2026-2027 Exhibitions at the Mac program. Emerging and mid‑career artists, both solo and groups, living and working in the Capital Regional District (CRD) are invited to apply for the opportunity to exhibit their work in the historic McPherson Playhouse lobby from September 2026 through June 2027.
Application deadline is May 10, 2026. Full program guidelines and the online submission form are available through the RMTS website at www.rmts.bc.ca/our-story/exhibitions-at-the-mac/.
